Sedona Hotels, Attractions, and Information

Written by Alexia Davis

In October 1901, a man by the name of Theodore Schnebly arrived with his wife and two
children in what is now known as Sedona, Arizona. At the time this was an opportunity for
more contact with the outside world and Mr. Schnebly requested a post office for the area
with the name of "Schnebly Station". In 1902 the Post Office Department approved the
request but said the name was too long for the stamps, so Mr. Schnebly changed the name to
his loving wife's name, Sedona. Theodore was the first postmaster of Sedona,
which was eventually recognized and incorporated as a city in 1988. Sedona has become one
of Arizona's most popular cities for tourism, resorts, recreational activities,
retirement, and the arts. Historically, Sedona was a rural ranching community with little
acknowledgement from the rest of the world until the motion picture industry captured it's
beauty in western films such as John Wayne's "The Angel and the Badman". The mystical
landscapes of Sedona are seen today in several movies, commercials and television shows.
The local Native Americans considered the terrain of Sedona the "spiritual vortex" of the
Southwest. The crimson rock formations and Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon parks hold an
unusual amount of natural beauty that is only further enhanced by the constant sunshine
and clean, dry air. Sedona is located under the rim of the Colorado Plateau
in the Southwestern desert at an elevation of 4500 feet. This is a prime location as it is
a short trip to both Phoenix and Flagstaff and an even shorter trip to surrounding golf
courses, shopping, galleries, museums, national parks and many other recreational
activities and attractions.

Help Celebrate Sedona's 100th Birthday

This year is Sedona's 100th Birthday making it a great time to see it again or for the
first time. City pride will be abundant, as will events and festivals to celebrate, making
it especially fun for families with young children. The Historic District of Old Town
Cottonwood is the original town center that was built up at the turn of the century when
mining was the economic staple of the community. The commercial center contained
all the necessities such as general stores, car dealerships, hardware stores, and of
course, bootleggers. Today it is a collection of diversified shops, art galleries, antique
stores, cafes, and charming places to stay. Sedona is reputed for it's wonderful selection
of places to shop, in particular, the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, which contains
over forty galleries and shops. This is an ideal location for purchasing Native American
art, pottery, rugs, jewelry and baskets. The Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village has been
a Sedona landmark since the 1970's and is modeled after Guadalajara. Sedona's history is
thoroughly examined at the Sedona Heritage Museum. The museum is set in the farmhouse of
Walter and Ruth Jordan who were the first pioneers of Sedona. The house
holds the original, restored furniture of the Jordan's and shows visitors how life truly
was for the pioneers. The museum also displays movies that were made in Sedona, cowboy
life, and vintage machinery. This museum is one of Sedona's historical treasures and is a
perfect way to spend a day for families and individuals alike. Kids are welcomed and
encouraged in educational, fun activities.

Beautiful Nature and Wildlife in Sedona

Of course one cannot visit Sedona without experiencing the splendor and natural beauty of
the Red Rock Cliffs, the Verde River, Coconino National Forest, and Oak Creek Canyon.
There are several National Parks established among these majestic sights/sites and all of
them offer a unique way to see and enjoy the surroundings in all their glory. The Slide
Rock State Park is a forty-three acre historical apple farm located in
Oak Creek Canyon. The Park is named after it's famous Slide Rock, a natural waterslide
that was created by erosion to the creek bottom. Visitors may slip and slide down the
slick water chute or sunbathe and swim along the creek. The park also has trails for
hiking or a leisurely walk and it is close to many of Coconino National Forest hiking
trails. Another historical and environmental structure is the awe-inspiring Montezuma
Castle, which is snuggled against the limestone cliffs of the Verde Valley. High above the
flood plain of Beaver Creek is the twenty room structure that was once used as a dwelling
for the Sinagua Indiana over 600 years ago. The structure was once associated with the
Aztec Emperor of Montezuma, but it was later discovered that the "castle" was abandoned
long before Montezuma was even born. There is a tour of the area provided as well as
displays depicting life of the Sinagua Indians. Also located along the Verde River is the
Dead Horse Ranch State Park. A six-mile stretch of the river is known as
the Verde River Greenway, it is an area that is unique for it's abundance of life and an
ecosystem that allows for visitors to get a glimpse of the various species of raptors,
birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. The Dead Horse Ranch offers several trails
ranging in difficulty throughout the 423 acres and great locations for camping, fishing,
canoeing or picnicking. The park often hosts events and activities like pottery workshops,
fishing clinics, geology tours and horseshoe tournaments. Sedona offers its visitors some
unusual and exciting ways to see all of this nature and wildlife. One of the local
favorites is the Pink Jeep Tours that offers an adventurous off road excursion into the
Sedona terrain. For those who always have their head in the clouds, try the hot air
balloon tours or a helicopter tour. There is a tour for everyone whether you prefer to
keep your feet on the ground, ride a horse, or drift down a river in a canoe.

Something for Everyone in Sedona

There is also plenty to do and see in the city of Sedona ranging from culture to casinos.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, but prefer sand traps and the green of a golf course,
there are several championship courses in Sedona. In between shopping, golfing and gallery
hopping there are great cafes to stop in for bite to eat, a quick drink or coffee and a
friendly atmosphere. After refueling you can wonder into one of Sedona's psychic's for a
reading or over to a spa for a massage and some pampering. If you prefer the metaphysical
aspects of life, Sedona offers spiritual retreats for those seeking to connect with nature
in a deeper way. Whether you spend the days in Sedona hiking and sightseeing or shopping
and seeing psychics, it is agreed that the nightlife in Sedona is varied enough to suit
everyone's needs. There are casual and fine dining establishments, places for families and
places for dates, there are funky jazz clubs and energetic casinos, and there are theatres
and concert venues. Sedona is simply loaded with ways to entertain and amuse even the most
difficult crowd and once night falls the city opens up an entirely new realm of prospects.
Sedona is understandably an extremely popular vacation spot; so the sooner you start
planning the better.